China's Naval Drills Indicate Increased Focus on Taiwan Invasion Preparedness
China's military has been conducting increasingly sophisticated naval exercises near Taiwan, simulating scenarios such as naval blockades, air incursions, and amphibious landings. A recent analysis by scholars at the U.S. Naval War College highlights a shift towards more realistic and operationally grounded rehearsals for a potential invasion of Taiwan. The exercises, which took place last fall, involved large-scale, coordinated operations across multiple locations, reflecting a strategic focus on Taiwan's geography. The drills included the use of civilian roll-on/roll-off vessels and amphibious armored vehicles, with the PLA Navy employing new tactics such as navigating through aquaculture rafts, which are common near Taiwan's shores. This development comes amid concerns within the Pentagon about the U.S.'s ability to defend Taiwan, given current stock levels of critical interceptors and munitions. 
